The grains are all trading lower this morning with corn down 2, soybeans down 4 cents and wheat down 4 cents. Yesterday, mixed export news hit the market early with a 120,000 metric ton cancellation of soybeans to China followed by an announcement of a new sale that included 111,000 metric tons of soybeans to unknown destinations. This is the third major cancellations in the last 2 ½ weeks which signals China is switching it buying to South America.
Yesterday was the first day newly harvested Brazil soybeans arrived into crushing plants and northern ports and market the start of the first vessel being loaded at the port of Paranagua. However, news out of South America is not all positive after an announcement yesterday that the Tiete River, a key waterway in Brazil will be closed for the start of the season due to the low draft caused by a much drier than average January. Although this may not immediately affect the U.S. grain prices, the fact that Brazil delayed much of its planting due to dry weather in the fall could mean the crop comes out of the field at the same time. If this were to happen it would put increased strain on the transportation of crops to export facilities. If ports get congested and significant delays begin to occur, the U.S may see further export sales announcements that would have otherwise gone to South America.
Weather could reach subzero temperatures next week throughout the Midwest leaving some of the winter wheat crop exposed to the harsh temperatures after the warm conditions reduced snow cover over the last few weeks. However, winter storm Juno should provide some snow cover throughout the Midwest late this weekend. Wheat continues to trend lower, pressured by the higher dollar and a lack of interest in U.S. wheat by foreign buyers.
